Doors Open day Paisley

This is a great 2-day event across Paisley and Renfrewshire with over 50 buildings taking part, Doors Open day Paisley.

Children’s Passport Scheme – Children collect a passport highlighting buildings taking part in DOD. If they visit at least 5 buildings and get their passport stamped they will receive a prize.

Brediland Allotment Association

08.09.12 (11.00-16.00)
3 Cardell Drive, Foxbar PA2 9AD
The Brediland Allotments were established in 1916, local knowledge states it was gifted by a generous farmer.

There are 41 plots of various sizes with a section for pigeon lofts. Over the years the allotment has changed from a men only past-time to having more women, families and even the local nursery starting to grow their own food.
There has been a massive revival of interest in people wanting to grow their own fruit and vegetables in
recent years. As a result, Renfrewshire is starting to see the development of a number of innovative community led projects to allow people to start growing their own fresh produce.

Therefore today’s visit is an opportunity to learn more about the secret world of allotment gardening, pick up some tips on gardening which you might apply in your own garden or even gain inspiration to start a community gardening project in your own neighbourhood.

08.09.12 (10.00-16.00)Abbey Close, Paisley, PA1 1JG
A stunning medieval gem, restored in the late 19C and early 20C and now with a sumptuous collection of 25 stained glass windows by 15 different artists. Tower open, access to parts of the Place of Paisley not normally open to the public. See the wonderful 10th century Barochan Cross.
Architect: Restoration by Rowand Anderson, Robert Lorimer
Building Date: 12th century onwards

Note the archaeological dig on the Abbey Drain, in Abbey Close.

Children’s Passport Scheme.

Paisley Anchor Mill

08.09.12 (10.00-16.00)
Lonend, Paisley, PA1 1TJ
Largest of the 40 Clark mill buildings on the Anchor Mills site, the Domestic Finishing Mill stands in an imposing location on the White Cart by the Hammills waterfall and forms the third of the trio of iconic buildings in this part of the town, the others being the Abbey and the Town Hall. The huge atrium space formerly
housed the engines from which drive was taken to work the equipment on each of the four floors.
Architect: Woodhouse & Morley
Building Date: 1886

Mill Bridge (off Lonend)

The iconic footbridge across the White Cart, built around 1880 is a fine example of a bow string trussed footbridge with wrought iron railings. The Prince’s Regeneration Trust in collaboration with Renfrewshire Council Planning and Transport Services, Morrison’s PLC and Historic Scotland contributed £590,000 to its restoration by Heritage Engineering.

Paisley Arts Centre

08.09.12 (09.45-16.45)New Street, Paisley, PA1 1EZ
Built by the Town Council as Paisley’s first post-reformation church, the Arts Centre was a place of worship for nearly 250 years until it was converted to its present purpose in 1987. In keeping with Arts and Museum’s royal theme.
Architect: James Baird & John Hart
Building Date: 1736-38

The Centre will be running a drop-in arts session at which you can fashion your own crown or jester’s hat (11.00-15.00).

Children’s Passport Scheme

Paisley Central Library

08.09.12 (09.00-17.00)
High Street, Paisley, PA1 2BA
Reference library by John Honeyman, 1868-71. Lending and Children’s Libraries: Honeyman, Keppie and Mackintosh, 1904, with extension by Keppie and Henderson, 1933. Today’s reference library was the second free municipal library in Scotland, 3 years after Dundee’s. Charles Rennie Mackintosh drew the plans of today’s lending libraries in 1902. While the exterior respectfully matches the Greek Ionic of the 1868 Museum and Library by his mentor Honeyman, inside Mackintosh’s influence can be seen in the finished building in the bookcase friezes and glazed screens, the doors’ oval glass panels and in the roof trusses.
Architect: John Honeyman
Building Date: 1868, 1904, 1933

The library holds amazing archives of maps, photographs and drawings and additional exhibitions and competitions will run on the day.

Assisted access for disabled.

Children’s Passport Scheme.

Paisley Community Fire Station

08.09.12 (10.00-16.00)
Canal Street, Paisley, PA1 2HQ
This is a fantastic opportunity to take a peek inside an active fire station.
Get up close to the engines.

Children’s Passport Scheme.

Paisley Martyr’s Sandyford Church

08.09.12 (10.00-15.00)
Broomlands Street, Paisley, PA1 2PP
The union of the Martyrs and Sandyford Churches was formalised in November 2009 with the new named church maintaining a presence both at Broomlands Street and Montgomery Road, with
the Broomlands church being the one open on Doors Open Day.
Architect: Changes by T G Abercrombie, 1904-05
Building Date: 1847

Organ music will be played throughout the day.

Children’s Passport Scheme.

Paisley Masonic Temple

08.09.12 (10.00-16.00)
68 Maxwellton Road, Paisley, PA1 2RD
Built as the clerks’ dining hall for the Ferguslie Thread Works, see fine stained glass stair window. Purchased by the Masons of Paisley in 1956/57.
Architect: Woodhouse and Morley
Building Date: 1886

08.09.12 (11.00-16.00) – 09.09.11 (see note)High Street, Paisley, PA1 2BA
Museum & Galleries: uplifting neo-Classical palace of the visual arts, gifted by Sir Peter Coats. The museum houses a number of fine collections including the largest assortment of Paisley shawls in the world.Observatory: A solar telescope, Alexander Stoddart’s bust of Newton and painted glass windows depicting famous astronomers can all be found in the observatory.Open on Sunday 14.00-17.00 for the collection of prizes only.
Architect: Honeyman, Keppie & Mackintosh; T G Abercrombie
Building Date: 1868-81, 1902, 1915. Observatory 1883
Museum & Galleries: there will be a royal themed treasure hunt and colouring activities on Saturday.

Observatory: Guided tours will be taken at 11:30, 12:15, 15:15 and 16:30 (bookable at museum reception).

Children’s Passport Scheme.

Paisley Sheriff Court & Justice of the Peace Court

08.09.12 (10.00-16.00)
St James Street, Paisley, PA3 2HW
Entering the former County Buildings, one emerges into the palazzo and is confronted by the grand staircase. A 40 feet relief sculpture by John Rhind stands in the panelled County Hall. The bust by James Fillans and the exteriors raised portico by F. W. Pomeroy are further highlights. The building was extended and refurbished extensively in 1997.
Architect: Clarke & Bell, 1885-90. Baxter, Clark & Paul, 1997
Building Date: 1885-90
Assisted access for the disabled.

08.09.12 (10.00-16.00)
Mile End Mill, 12 Seedhill Road, Paisley, PA1 1JS
More than 10,000 people used to wind and bind thread for J & P Coats in this imposing A-listed building. Six tall floors high in red brick, 18 bays long, with stair towers topped with landmark copper roofed lanterns. The building now functions as a business centre and an area of the ground floor has been provided rent free for the development of a museum devoted to the thread industry of Paisley, run by volunteers.
Architect: W J Morley of Bradford for J & P Coats
Building Date: 1899

The ground floor’s museum showcases an archive of photographs that offers a glimpse into the life of a mill worker.

Children’s Passport Scheme.

Paisley Town Hall

08.09.12 (10.00-16.00)Abbey Close, Paisley, PA1 1JG
This substantial classical building was gifted to Paisley by the Clarks, one of the town’s wealthy mill owning families. It houses a suite of grand halls and rfunction rooms and the views of the Abbey from the first floor Loggia and Balcony are stunning. The Town Hall has been at the heart of Paisley’s artistic and civic life since it opened in 1882.Disabled access via Gauze Street entrance.
Architect: W. H. Lynn
Building Date: 1872-82
Royalty will be the theme of the day in the Town Hall. You will be able to dress up as a prince or princess, king or queen, and pose in front of a green screen backdrop for a photograph that you will treasure forever (11:00-15:00).

08.09.12 (10:30-15:30)
17 George Street, Paisley, PA1 2LB
This is a good example of an early Scottish Methodist chapel. The church was purchased by the Swedenborgian Church in 1860 for £600 and was formally opened and dedicated on 15th Septem-ber 1861. In 1868 the interior was remodelled and new pews, a pulpit and stained glass windows were instated. The stained glass cost £103 and was designed by the artist Sir Noel Paton RSA, whose parents belonged to the congregation.
Building Date: 1810 and 1868
A documentary film produced by the Swedenborg Society discussing the life and work of Emanuel Swedenborg will be shown and there will be a quiz and drawing materials for children.

This astonishing addition to Paisley’s skyline is a fabulous distortion of antique classical forms, known to locals as the “Porridge Bowl”. Originally a school bequeathed to the town by a local grocer, it has been converted into flats.
Architect: Charles Wilson
Building Date: 1849-52

The central atrium, with its statue of Diogenes by Alexander Stoddart, will be open.

Wheelchair access (difficult) assistance needed.

Children’s Passport Scheme.

Paisley: Mill Bridge

08.09.12 – 09.09.12 (public walkway)
Lonend, Paisley, PA1 1JR
The iconic walkway across the White Cart, built around 1880, is a fine example of a bow string trussed footbridge with wrought iron railings. The Prince’s Regeneration Trust in collaboration with Renfrewshire Council Department of Planning and Transport, Morrison’s PLC and Historic Scotland contributed £590,000 to its restoration by Heritage Engineering.

Paisley: Oakshaw Trinity Church

08.09.12 (10.00-16.00)Oakshaw Street East, Paisley, PA1 2DD
The church’s steeple is one of the most pronounced on Paisley’s skyline. There are also seven notable stained glass windows: two by Oscar Paterson c. 1918; two by Alec Walker c. 1909 and 1921; and one each by Gordon Webster, 1951; Sadie McLellan, 1973; and John Clark, 1996.
Architect: John White, 1754 & 1767-70; Rennison & Scott, 1877
Building Date: 1750-56, steeple 1770
Tours will be given.

Children’s Passport Scheme.

Paisley: Russell Institute

08.09.12 (10:00-16:00)
30 Causeyside Street, Paisley, PA1 1UR
Sculpture by Archibald Dawson. Reinforced concrete skeleton clad in clean-cut sandstone, this 1920s temple to child-care is fitted out with Italian marble. The building is in full use, but the entrance hall with Dawson’s busts of donor’s brothers and amazing staircase are open for inspection. It is one of the most beautiful buildings, inside and out, in Paisley.
Architect: James Steel Maitland
Building Date: 1923
‘Revisiting The Russell’, a 1920s themed event inviting three generations of Renfrewshire to share their memories of the Russell Institute, will be in full swing on the day. There will be prohibition-style cocktails, Charleston dance classes, an auction of opus couture dresses and a live jazz band with Charleston dance performances.

08.09.12 (11.00-15.00)11 Queen Street, Paisley, PA1 2TT
The cottage was built by the father of Robert Tannahill, the “Weaver Poet” and compatriot of Robert Burns, who lived there for most of his life (1774-1810). Now home to the Paisley Burns Club, one of the oldest in the world, it reopened after a fire in 2003
Architect: James Tannahill
Building Date: 1775
View a display of Burns and Tannahill memorabilia.

Assisted access.

Children’s Passport Scheme.

Paisley: The Bield (Martyrs’ Parish Church)

08.09.12 (10.00-16.00)
40 Broomlands Street, Paisley, PA1 2NP
The church was named in honour of two men who were hung at Paisley Cross in 1685 for refusing to renounce the Covenant and acknowledge the King’s supremacy. The building is now the headquarters of the 7th Paisley (JNI) Scout Group.
Building Date: 1835
Activities will include archery, a climbing wall, a bouncy castle and face painting.

08.09.12 (11.00-15.00)
Niddry Street, Paisley, PA3 4AB
Hailed as the triumph of stylish Paisley architect Thomas Graham Abercrombie, this perpendicular Gothic creation is one
of the most powerful compositions to be found in Paisley.
Architect: Thomas Graham Abercrombie
Building Date: 1913-15

Music will be playing and tours given on the day.

Assisted disabled access.

Children’s Passport Scheme.

Paisley: WASPS Studios

08.09.12 (11.00-16.00)
32 A + B, Broomlands Street, Paisley, PA1 2NR
Wasps Studios is a charity that provides affordable studios to support artists and arts organisations, and the units in Paisley have been operating for over 20 years.
Caroline Watson will be opening up her studio for an exhibition of her multimedia artwork. Karen James will show diversity in claywork by holding a hands-on demonstration.

Children’s Passport Scheme.

Ralston Community Sports Centre

08.09.12 – 09.09.12 (09.00-15.00)
Penilee Road, Paisley, PA1 3AX
Built around 1930 this is a delightful Art Deco building in the style of Thomas Tait which has in the last two years been refurbished into a community sports centre, housing a dance studio, state of the art gym and changing facilities for the synthetic football pitches which are adjacent. Its authentic balcony, downstairs reception foyer and gorgeous outdoor balcony make it an ideal function space for weddings, christenings and parties as well as being an attractive hub for the whole community.
Building Date: c. 1930

Children’s Passport Scheme.

Renfrewshire House

08.09.12 (10.00-14.00)
Renfrewshire Council HQ, Cotton Street , Paisley, PA1 1HY
Renfrewshire House is Renfrewshire Council’s Headquarters building which, in addition to its refurbished open plan offices, features a new Customer Services Centre, Marriage Suite and Council Chamber. Its focal point is the new Chamber which is suspended over the public service desks and is elliptical to embody the principles of equality and inclusive debate in local democracy.
Architect: Council’s own architects
Building Date: 1985

Customer Services and Council Chambers open.

Children’s Passport Scheme.

Sma’ Shot Cottage

08.09.12 (12.00-16.00)11/17 George Place, 14 Shuttle Street, Paisley, PA1 2HZ
Headquarters of the energetic Old Paisley Society which has restored these cottages as a museum. 18th century weavers’ cottage and loomshop, plus Victorian interiors typical of Paisley’s historic 19th century development.
Building Date: 18-19C

The Victorian interiors tell the story of Paisley’s 19th century development.

(Wheelchair access to lower floors only).

Children’s Passport Scheme.

St James’s Church of Scotland

08.09.12 (10.00-16.00)
Underwood Road, Paisley, PA3 1TL
Muscular Gothic revival dominated by a tall, strong steeple. A landmark but also a building of considerable architectural merit. Almost certainly this church and the accomplished treatment of the cruciform plain interior helped to win Blanc the commission for the Coats Memorial Church. Stained glass throughout the church mostly by A Ballantine & Gardiner.
Architect: Hippolyte Jean Blanc
Building Date: 1880, 1904

There will be organ music and the opportunity to try your hand at handbells.

Children’s Passport Scheme.

Thomas Coats Memorial Church & Paisley Photographic Society

08.09.12 (12.00-16.00)
High Street, Paisley, PA1 9NH
Known as the “Baptist Cathedral of Europe”, this Gothic church forms the climax of the view along the High Street. The opulent interior has been excellently preserved and hosts sculptures in oak, bronze and marble. The Victorian vestry has restored stencilling and lavatories.
Architect: Hippolyte Jean Blanc
Building Date: 1894
You will be able to take in the artful surrounds to the sound of organ music. The Paisley Photographic Society will also be exhibiting their members’ photography.